City Tavern, Colonial tavern in Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, United States.
The City Tavern is located at the corner of Second and Walnut Streets and features three stories of Georgian-style architecture with a garden containing benches. The interior includes period rooms that display furnishings and decor from the colonial era.
The tavern was founded in 1773 and became a gathering place where members of the Second Continental Congress discussed strategies for the American Revolution in 1774. The original building was eventually destroyed but was reconstructed in 1975 at its original location.
The building served as a gathering place where merchants, politicians, and civic groups met to conduct business and host celebrations. Its rooms show how taverns functioned as central meeting spaces in colonial society.
The building is easy to locate as it sits near Independence Hall at 138 South 2nd Street, making it convenient to combine with other colonial sites. There is comfortable seating available both inside the rooms and outside in the garden.
George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette first met at this location in 1777, beginning an important military alliance. The historical significance of this encounter is commemorated within the building.
Location: Pennsylvania
Address: South 2nd Street
Phone: +12154131443
Website: http://citytavern.com
GPS coordinates: 39.94700,-75.14500
Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23
Philadelphia contains major sites from the American founding era alongside diverse museums and urban architecture. The Old City holds Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while Independence National Historical Park encompasses several 18th-century buildings. Elfreth's Alley preserves colonial-era rowhouses, and Eastern State Penitentiary documents the history of incarceration. The city maintains significant art collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute focuses on science education, while the Academy of Natural Sciences presents natural history displays. The Museum of the American Revolution complements the historic sites downtown. Beyond the center lies Valley Forge National Historical Park, where Washington's army encamped during the winter of 1777-78. Reading Terminal Market has offered regional produce and food stalls since 1893. Fairmount Park extends along the Schuylkill River and includes Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Additional destinations include the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Philadelphia's Magic Gardens with its mosaic artwork. One Liberty Observation Deck provides views across the cityscape, while the Rocky Statue outside the art museum references the film series.
First Bank of the United States
167 m
Independence National Historical Park
279 m
Carpenters' Hall
224 m
Old City
167 m
Science History Institute
247 m
Union Fire Company
371 m
Walnut Street Prison
171 m
Congregation Mikveh Israel
325 m
Powel House
183 m
Philadelphia Contributionship
315 m
Merchants' Exchange Building
92 m
Society Hill Towers
169 m
National Liberty Museum
267 m
Philadelphia Korean War Memorial
268 m
Slate Roof House
81 m
Museum of the American Revolution
169 m
Provident Life & Trust Company
320 m
Center for Advanced Judaic Studies
309 m
Robert Morris
317 m
Thomas Bond House
95 m
Benjamin Loxley house
48 m
Mercantile Library Company
239 m
Irish Memorial
275 m
Korean War Veterans Memorial
264 m
Robert Morris
317 m
William Penn
95 m
Old Man, Young Man, the Future
202 m
Ghost Structures
340 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes